Veterinary Science gains elite US accreditation
[ UniNews Vol. 15, No. 19
16 - 30 October 2006 ]
The University of Melbourne has joined an elite international group of 37 universities teaching Veterinary Science after winning prestigious accreditation by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Only seven AVMA accredited Veterinary Schools are outside North America.
The AVMA Council on Education meeting in Chicago last month agreed to award full AVMA accreditation to the Melbourne Faculty for seven years.
Dean of Veterinary Science, Professor Ivan Caple, says that the Faculty mounted a seven-year campaign to win the highly-sought-after AVMA accreditation. “This accreditation sets Veterinary Science up well to progress the University’s Growing Esteem strategy, and to build the Faculty’s international recognition.”
Professor Caple says the AVMA win adds to accreditation for the Faculty by the Australasian and United Kingdom quality assurance programs for veterinary schools.
Over the past seven years the Faculty of Veterinary Science has worked hard to meet the 11 requirements of AVMA standards of accreditation.
In March this year, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation & Development) Professor Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis met with Dr Tim Boosinger, Chair of the AVMA Site Visit Team to Melbourne and the AVMA team during their visit to Melbourne.
Congratulating Professor Caple and his team on their hard work this week, Professor Braach-Maksvytis noted that, “The AVMA accreditation is well-timed as Melbourne moves to become a truly global university.”
Professor Caple describes the AVMA accreditation as “a marvellous outcome for the tremendous efforts put in by all associated with the Faculty – staff, students, alumni and academic associates”.
“We have finally nailed a key target for Veterinary Science!” he said, adding that, “for a Collingwood supporter, it was even better than winning a Brownlow and a Grand Final.
“The most pleasing part of the American, and the Australian and UK, accreditation process was receiving the very positive comments on the quality of the undergraduate students and their communication skills, and the professional attributes demonstrated by our graduates.”
Professor Caple believes this successful outcome owes much to the support provided by the University with funding for the capital works program at Parkville and Werribee.
Accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education represents the highest standard of achievement for veterinary medical education in the United States. Graduation from an AVMA-accredited institution is a prerequisite for practice within the United States.
But for Professor Caple it clearly certifies that the University of Melbourne Veterinary Science course is of the highest international quality.
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